Over the past three days, we’ve watched fathers step onto the tatami. Today, it was the grandfathers’ turn and they competed with just as much fire, pride and determination to represent their nations. Yet, what stood out most during this fourth day was not just the competition itself but the family atmosphere woven into every moment.
Because here at the veterans’ championships, it’s not only a sporting event, it’s a multigenerational gathering, a family business. Look into the stands and you’ll find not just athletes and coaches but children, parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, entire families cheering on their judoka with a joy that transcends age and language. It’s a celebration where the love of judo is shared, understood and passed on like a treasured gift.
The intergenerational spirit was on full display yesterday when Radu Ivan of Germany claimed the M6 heavyweight world title, for instance. Sitting in the coaching chair, cheering him on with remarkable poise and insight, was his 16-year-old student, Jolina Reinhold. Normally, it's Radu who guides Jolina on the mat but here in Paris the roles were reversed and the young judoka embraced her task with grace and seriousness.
“It took me by surprise,” admitted Denis Weisser, Chair of the IJF Veterans Commission. “Jolina, who is a strong competitor herself, was not in the least bit intimidated by the occasion. She stepped into the coaching role beautifully. It was a powerful message, an example of what veterans bring to our sport, a spirit of sharing, of learning, of mutual respect across generations.”
That is the essence of what we’ve witnessed today. These judoka have dedicated a large part of their lives to the sport. They step onto the tatami not just to win, though the will to win is very much alive, but to continue learning, exploring and feeling the pulse of competition. They compete not just for medals but for the joy of connecting with fellow judoka, with the crowd, with their families both in the traditional and the judo sense.
The men’s competition may be drawing to a close but the inspiration carries on. As we turn towards tomorrow’s women’s day, one message resounds clearly from Paris: the spirit of judo only grows stronger with time and it is meant to be shared.
To further highlight the extraordinary ability of veteran judo to unite generations, Nikolaos Klouvatos (Greece), a 7th Dan judoka at the remarkable age of 96, was honoured on the tatami just moments before the final block began. He was celebrated by Denis Weisser and Jean-Luc Bartoli, and received a resounding standing ovation from all spectators and participants — a moving tribute to a lifetime dedicated to the spirit and practice of judo.